Structural Reliability Analysis and Prediction

Structural Reliability Analysis and Prediction, Third Edition is a textbook which addresses the important issue of predicting the safety of structures at the design stage and also the safety of existing, perhaps deteriorating structures. Attention is focused on the development and definition of limit states such as serviceability and ultimate strength, the definition of failure and the various models which might be used to describe strength and loading. This book emphasises concepts and applications, built up from basic principles and avoids undue mathematical rigour. It presents an accessible and unified account of the theory and techniques for the analysis of the reliability of engineering structures using probability theory.

This new edition has been updated to cover new developments and applications and a new chapter is included which covers structural optimization in the context of reliability analysis. New examples and end of chapter problems are also now included.

ROBERT E. MELCHERS, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Newcastle, Australia. His main areas of research expertise are in structural engineering risk and reliability analyses, probabilistic modelling of engineering systems, corrosion and deterioration modeling, and investigation of structural failures.

ANDRÉ T. BECK, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Structural Engineering at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. His research interests include structural mechanics and structural safety.